Families with children and history fans of all ages are invited to step back in time next weekend (27th to 29th January) at the Katharine of Aragon Festival hosted by Peterborough Cathedral and Peterborough Museum.
The Festival begins on Friday 27th January at 11.00am with a Commemoration Service in the Cathedral attended by civic dignitaries, during which wreaths will be laid on Katharine’s tomb. A Tudor Peterborough Walk follows at 2pm, starting at the Museum (prompt booking advised).
On the evening of Friday 27th January you can truly immerse yourself in the sixteenth century. At 5.30pm the Cathedral Choir will sing Vespers, a form of service familiar to the Tudor Court and including music from that time. Then at 6.30pm a Cathedral open evening begins as Henry VIII, Katharine of Aragon and numerous courtiers arrive in their period costumes.
The reenactors, from Regal Rose Historical Portrayal, will represent members of King Henry’s Court, including Thomas Cromwell and Queen Katharine’s most trusted lady in waiting, Maria de Silenas. During the evening visitors can drop in to explore the Cathedral with quiet music playing, take photos, chat to the reenactors and local volunteer guides, and reflect on Katharine’s faith in God during difficult times. At 8.30pm the open evening ends and is followed at 9pm by the sung monastic service of Compline. All are welcome and there is no need to book. Donations are requested.
On Saturday 28th January there is a hive of activities for children. At the Museum, from 10am to 4pm, there will be the chance to meet Tudor characters, try out some Tudor food and find out about life for everyday people in the 1500s. Tickets are £4 adults, £3 concessions and £12 family (U5s free) and can be purchased on the door. Last entry is at 3.30pm. This event also takes place on Sunday 29th January.
Meanwhile at the Cathedral there will be a Family Service at 10am for children to commemorate Katharine. This is followed by At Court with the Tudors day of craft activities such as making a ‘King on a thing’, decorating a crown and making a gable hood to wear. The Royal Courtiers (Regal Rose Historical Portrayal) will be present from 11am to 3pm, so there will be plenty of opportunities to pose for photos with Tudor royalty!
The Festival speaker this year is Professor Theresa M Earenfight of Seattle University, who will give an online talk about how objects associated with Katharine of Aragon - baby blankets, shoes, portraits and clothing - can tell us more about her. This takes place online via Zoom on Thursday 26th January at 7.30pm (UK time) and tickets are £7 per viewing.
Various Tudor tours are taking place throughout the weekend but early booking is advised as some are already sold out.
For more information and all booking links, please visit www.peterborough-cathedral.org.uk/katharine.aspx
